LAS VEGAS, Nev. – Collin Roland, a Childersburg teen cowboy, now can claim he is the best in the world.
The local bullriding star took home the title of best senior bareback rider at the Junior World Finals presented by Yeti in Las Vegas. The Junior World Finals host more than 850 contestants within the Wrangler Rodeo Arena with more than $1 million in prize money up for grabs.
The competition spanned the course of last week up to Monday, Dec. 6. It was on the final day that Roland knew he had a chance to claim top spot.
“Just do you and be yourself,” said Roland of his thought process going into Monday. “It was hard to do, but that’s what I did all week. I just had to take it day to day.”
Roland’s turn to ride came after his stiffest competition, Wacey Schalla of Oklahoma and Kelton Maxfield of Idaho. He posted a score of 82 on his final round which took his overall point total to 243, enough to best second-place Schalla (236.5) and Maxfield (236).
“It still hasn’t sunk in yet that I’m a world champion,” Roland remarked.
The local communities have heaped praise on Roland since his return which included receiving the opportunity to lead the equestrian pack during the Sylacauga Christmas Parade on Thursday night.
